Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose nearly 12 years in office have been marked by a deep economic and social crisis, was sworn in for a third term on Friday, staying in power despite a six-month dispute over an election and international calls for him to stand aside.

President-elect Donald Trump says Venezuela's embattled opposition leader must be protected as President Nicolas Maduro takes the oath of office for a third six-year term.

With his challengers scattered and reeling, Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term, shrugging off international condemnation of a sham election and a brutal crackdown on dissent.